IPL 2026 Auction: Second Title Loading? Key Fixes That Can Make RCB Unstoppable Again!
RCB eye a second IPL title in 2026, but bowling improvements are crucial. Here’s what Royal Challengers Bengaluru must fix before the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
IPL 2026 Auction: Key Bowling Fixes That Can Help RCB Win Back-to-Back Titles
After a protracted period of anticipation, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally opted to commemorate their victory in IPL 2025 with the raising of the IPL 2025 trophy. The last match was thrilling as they overcame the Punjab Kings. However, the victory was not entirely sweet; the if the team wants to secure the title and make it two in a row in IPL 2026, then there are certain points where the team’s strength needs to be augmented, particularly in the bowling department.
🔧 Bowling Repairs Needed Before IPL 2026 Mini-Auction
RCB’s batting was among the most consistent units last season, powered by Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Jitesh Sharma. But their bowling depth left a lot to be desired. Apart from a couple of standout performers, the rest of the attack lacked penetration and consistency.
Veterans Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar carried the load for most of the tournament. Though they did a commendable job, over-reliance on them could hurt the team going forward.
📊 RCB Bowling Performance – IPL 2025 Key Stats
- Josh Hazlewood: 22 wickets | 8.77 economy
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 17 wickets | 9.29 economy
- Krunal Pandya: 17 wickets | 8.24 economy
- Yash Dayal: 13 wickets | 9.59 economy
- Suyash Sharma: 8 wickets | 8.84 economy
Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar combined for 39 wickets, but the young bowlers struggled to make an impact. Yash Dayal leaked runs at a high economy, and Suyash Sharma, though economical, wasn’t a strike bowler.
The absence of a wicket-taking spinner and a dependable third pacer stood out as RCB’s biggest flaws.
🧩 What Should Be RCB’s Auction Strategy?
While major overhauls are rare in mini-auctions, RCB is expected to make strategic tweaks to strengthen their bowling attack.
1️⃣ Search for a Quality Indian Pacer
If Yash Dayal and Rasikh Salam are released, RCB must target a young Indian pacer who can complement Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar. Someone capable of bowling at the death and taking wickets early could be a game-changer.
2️⃣ Find a Wicket-Taking Spinner
Since Yuzvendra Chahal’s exit, RCB has struggled to find a spinner who can deliver breakthroughs in the middle overs. The upcoming mini-auction presents a golden chance to rope in an aggressive spinner to apply pressure on strong batting line-ups.
💬 Expert Verdict
The batting department of RCB does not require significant improvements, but the bowling unit needs minor adjustments. Keeping the core and simultaneously incorporating a strike spinner as well as a dependable Indian pacer could be the secret to winning the IPL 2026 championship again.
